Does Newburgh need to chop down its tree canopy? An arborist weighs in

A number of volunteer trees form a canopy over Indiana Hwy 662 on Newburgh, Indiana's West Side. Arborists are currently studying the trees to see if there is a way to save the natural wonder which some say pose a risk to vehicles and their inhabitants.(Photo: DENNY SIMMONS / COURIER & PRESS)Buy Photo

NEWBURGH, Ind. -- After hearing public outcry over their decision to remove the tree canopy near the entrance of downtown Newburgh, town leaders have consulted an arborist.

The arborist's findings are good news to those who want to see the canopy remain.

"There is no reason, in my professional opinion, to remove the entire canopy," said Larry Caplan, owner of Maple Grove Tree Appraisals.

But that doesn't mean the canopy can stay the way it is, he added.

There are several trees that are already dead and should be removed immediately, he said. And there are places where the canopy's limbs hang low enough that passing semi trucks and buses hit them.

"It will need some corrective pruning to remove the hazards," Caplan said. "But I see no reason why they can't keep the tree canopy."

The town leadership was concerned that because the canopy comprised volunteer trees that were not purposefully planted, they may have weaker roots or shorter lifespans, said Town Manager Christy Powell. But Caplan said this is not true.

"Just because a tree started from seed doesn't make it any more dangerous than those that were planted," Caplan said. "They're all wild trees, but if you look at a forest those are all wild trees, too."

Caplan will submit his report at Wednesday night's Newburgh Town Council meeting. The council will then decide what action to take with the canopy.